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Update on Copperwood Mine

IRONWOOD, Mich. (AP) - Michigan environmental regulators say a company is updating is plans for a copper and silver mine in the western Upper Peninsula.

The Department of Environmental Quality announced Monday that Orvana Minerals Corp. has withdrawn and resubmitted its application for a wetlands, inland lakes and streams permit.

The Copperwood Mine would target 798 million pounds of copper and 3.5 million ounces of silver in an underground deposit near Ironwood.

Environmentalists raised concerns about the company's plans to withdraw large volumes of Lake Superior water and discharge treated wastewater into a creek that feeds the lake. Company officials say a buffer zone will provide adequate protection.

There's a Dec. 18 deadline for comment. The DEQ says this is the last major environmental permit needed before the project can proceed.